1
|
Bassi M, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Di Rosa F, Gregori A, Alkilany AM, Rachid O, Roda E, De Luca F, Papa P, Buscaglia E, Zauli G, Locatelli CA, Marti M. The synthetic cathinones MDPHP and MDPV: Comparison of the acute effects in mice, in silico ADMET profiles and clinical reports. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:230-255. [PMID: 38955288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The 3,4-methylenedioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (MDPHP) is a synthetic cathinone closely related to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of the most common synthetic cathinones present in the "bath salts". MDPHP has recently gained attention due to increasing seizures and involvement in human intoxications which occurred in Europe and Italy in the last years, but currently there is a lack of information about its pharmaco-toxicological effects. With the aim at filling this gap, the present study is endeavoured to (i) evaluate the effects of acute administration of MDPHP (0.01-20 mg/kg; i.p.) on behaviour, cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular parameters in CD-1 male mice, comparing them to those observed after administration of MDPV; (ii) predict the ADMET profile of the two analogues using the Plus ADMET Predictor®; (iii) present clinical data related to MDPHP and MDPV-induced intoxications recorded between 2011 and 2023 by the Pavia Poison Control Centre (PCC) - National Toxicology Information Centre (Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Italy). Our results substantiated that MDPHP and MDPV similarly affect sensorimotor and behavioural responses in mice, importantly increased locomotion and induced aggressive behaviour, and, at higher dosage, increased heart rate and blood pressure. These findings are in line with those observed in humans, revealing severe toxidromes typically characterized by Central Nervous System (CNS) alterations (behavioural/neuropsychiatric symptoms), including psychomotor agitation and aggressiveness, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension, dyspnoea), and other peripheral symptoms (e.g. hyperthermia, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bassi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabiana Di Rosa
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, Rome 00191, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, Rome 00191, Italy
| | - Alaaldin M Alkilany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Qatar
| | - Ousama Rachid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Qatar
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Luca
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Pietro Papa
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology-Clinical Chemistry, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Buscaglia
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jeon KO, Kim OH, Seo SY, Yun J, Jang CG, Lim RN, Kim TW, Yang CH, Yoon SS, Jang EY. The psychomotor, reinforcing, and discriminative stimulus effects of synthetic cathinone mexedrone in male mice and rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176466. [PMID: 38431243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The chronic use of the novel synthetic cathinone mexedrone, like other psychoactive drugs, can be considered addictive, with a high potential for abuse and the ability to cause psychological dependence in certain users. However, little is known about the neurobehavioral effects of mexedrone in association with its potential for abuse. We investigated the abuse potential for mexedrone abuse through multiple behavioral tests. In addition, serotonin transporter (SERT) levels were measured in the synaptosome of the dorsal striatum, and serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in the dorsal striatum of acute mexedreone (50 mg/kg)-treated mice. To clarify the neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the locomotor response of mexedrone, the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) was administered prior to the acute injection of mexedrone in the locomotor activity experiment in mice. Mexedrone (10-50 mg/kg) produced a significant place preference in mice and mexedrone (0.1-0.5 mg/kg/infusion) maintained self-administration behavior in rats in a dose-dependent manner. In the drug discrimination experiment, mexedrone (5.6-32 mg/kg) was fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine in rats. Mexedrone increased locomotor activity, and these effects were reversed by pretreatment with M100907. Acute mexedrone significantly increased c-Fos expression in the dorsal striatum and decreased SERT levels in the synaptosome of the dorsal striatum of mice, resulting in an elevation of 5-HT levels. Taken together, our results provide the possibility that mexedrone has abuse potential, which might be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of the serotonergic system in the dorsal striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Oh Jeon
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Seo
- Korean Medicine (KM) Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ri-Na Lim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Wan Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 136 Sincheondong-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 136 Sincheondong-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, 42158, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lai M, Fu D, Li X, Zhuang D, Wang M, Xu Z, Liu H, Shen H, Xu P, Zhou W. N-Isopropylbenzylamine-induced conditioned place preference, sensitization behaviour and self-administration in rodents. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13370. [PMID: 38353028 PMCID: PMC10898833 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
N-Isopropylbenzylamine (N-ipb), a chain isomer of methamphetamine (METH) with similar physical properties, has been used as a substitute for METH in seized drug samples. However, the abuse potential of N-ipb remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the abuse potential of N-ipb in comparison to METH, by using conditioned place preference (CPP), locomotor sensitization and intravenous self-administration tests. The results showed that N-ipb at a dose of 3 mg·kg-1 significantly induced CPP in mice, which was comparable to the effect of METH at 1 mg·kg-1 . Either acute or repeated N-ipb injections (1 or 3 mg·kg-1 ) failed to raise the locomotor activity. However, acute treatment with 10 mg·kg-1 N-ipb elevated the locomotor activity compared with saline, while chronic injection of 10 mg·kg-1 N-ipb induced a delayed and attenuated sensitization compared with 1 mg·kg-1 METH. Rats could acquire N-ipb self-administration at a dose of 1 mg·kg-1 ·infusion-1 , and a typical inverted U-shaped dose-response curve was obtained for N-ipb. The mean dose of N-ipb that maintained the maximum response was greater than that of METH, indicating that N-ipb is less potent for reinforcement than METH. In the economic behavioural analysis, comparison of essential values derived from the demand elasticity revealed that N-ipb is less efficacy as a reinforcer than METH. The present data demonstrate that N-ipb functions as a reinforcer and has a potential for abuse. However, the potency of psychomotor stimulation and the reinforcing effectiveness of N-ipb are lower than those of METH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaojun Lai
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Dan Fu
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Office of China National Narcotics Control CommissionChina Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics ControlBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic CenterMinistry of Public SecurityBeijingChina
| | - Dingding Zhuang
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Majie Wang
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Zeming Xu
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Huifen Liu
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| | - Haowei Shen
- Faculty of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of MedicineNingbo UniversityNingboChina
| | - Peng Xu
- Office of China National Narcotics Control CommissionChina Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics ControlBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic CenterMinistry of Public SecurityBeijingChina
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Department of PsychiatryAffiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingboChina
- Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang ProvinceNingboChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angoa-Perez M, Kuhn DM. The pharmacology and neurotoxicology of synthetic cathinones. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:61-82. [PMID: 38467489 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinones are man-made compounds derived from the naturally occurring drug cathinone, which is found in the khat plant. The drugs in this pharmacological class that will be the focus of this chapter include mephedrone, MDPV, methcathinone and methylone. These drugs are colloquially known as "bath salts". This misnomer suggests that these drugs are used for health improvement or that they have legitimate medical uses. The synthetic cathinones are dangerous drugs with powerful pharmacological effects that include high abuse potential, hyperthermia and hyperlocomotion. These drugs also share many of the pharmacological effects of the amphetamine class of drugs including methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA and therefore have high potential to cause damage to the central nervous system. The synthetic cathinones are frequently taken in combination with other psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana and the amphetamine-like stimulants, creating a situation where heightened pharmacological and neurotoxicological effects are likely to occur. Despite the structural features shared by the synthetic cathinones and amphetamine-like stimulants, including their actions at monoamine transporters and receptors, the effects of the synthetic cathinones do not always match those of the amphetamines. In particular, the synthetic cathinones are far less neurotoxic than their amphetamine counterparts, they produce a weaker hyperthermia, and they cause less glial activation. This chapter will briefly review the pharmacology and neurotoxicology of selected synthetic cathinones with the aim of delineating key areas of agreement and disagreement in the literature particularly as it relates to neurotoxicological outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chojnacki MR, Thorndike EB, Partilla JS, Rice KC, Schindler CW, Baumann MH. Neurochemical and Cardiovascular Effects of 4-Chloro Ring-Substituted Synthetic Cathinones in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:162-170. [PMID: 36669877 PMCID: PMC10201577 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances that display psychomotor stimulant properties, and novel cathinone analogs continue to emerge in illicit drug markets worldwide. The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacology of 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones that are appearing in illicit drug markets compared with the effects of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone). Synaptosomes were prepared from rat caudate for dopamine transporter (DAT) assays or from whole brain minus caudate and cerebellum for norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) assays. Findings from transporter uptake inhibition and release assays showed that mephedrone and 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) function as substrates at DAT, NET, and SERT, with similar potency at all three transporters. In contrast, 4-chloro-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4-CαPPP) was an uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET, with similar potency at each site, but had little activity at SERT. 4-Chloroethcathinone (4-CEC) was a low-potency uptake inhibitor at DAT and NET but a substrate at SERT. In rats implanted with telemetry transmitters, mephedrone and 4-CMC increased blood pressure, heart rate, and locomotor activity to a similar extent. 4-CEC and 4-CαPPP were less potent at increasing blood pressure and had modest stimulatory effects on heart rate and activity. 4-CMC also transiently decreased temperature at the highest dose tested. All three 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones are biologically active, but only 4-CMC has potency comparable to mephedrone. Collectively, our findings suggest that 4-CMC and other 4-chloro cathinones may have abuse potential and adverse effects in humans that are analogous to those associated with mephedrone. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The 4-chloro ring-substituted cathinones all produced significant cardiovascular stimulation, with 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) showing potency similar to mephedrone. All of the drugs are likely to be abused given their effects at the dopamine transporter, particularly 4-CMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Chojnacki
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Eric B Thorndike
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - John S Partilla
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Charles W Schindler
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (M.R.C., J.S.P., C.W.S., M.H.B.) and Preclinical Pharmacology Section (E.B.T., C.W.S.), National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland; and Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Intramural Research Programs, Rockville, Maryland (K.C.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bielecka-Papierz G, Serefko A, Szopa A, Talarek S, Wróbel A, Szewczyk B, Radziwoń-Zaleska M, Kołtun-Jasion M, Poleszak E. The role of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP-dependent pathway in the development of sensitization to mephedrone effects on the locomotor activity in mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 437:114103. [PMID: 36089098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Mephedrone, a popular psychostimulating substance widely used illegally in recreational purposes, exerts in rodents that regularly and intermittently were exposed to it a sensitized response to the drug. Behavioral sensitization is one of experimental models of drug dependency/abuse liability. In the present study we evaluated a potential involvement of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway in the development of sensitization to the mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion. Locomotor activity was measured automatically and experiments were performed on male Albino Swiss mice. We demonstrated that a 5-day administration of 7-nitroindazole (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) and L-NAME (50 mg/kg/day) suppressed the development of sensitization to the mephedrone-induced hyperlocomotion. As for L-arginine (125 or 250 mg/kg/day) and methylene blue (5 or 10 mg/kg/day) the obtained outcomes are inconclusive. Furthermore, the lower dose of L-NAME (25 mg/kg/day) surprisingly potentiated the development of sensitization to the mephedrone-induced effects on the spontaneous locomotor activity in mice. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that modulators of the L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathway may differently affect the development of sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of mephedrone. Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) seems to prevent this process quite profoundly, non-selective inhibition of NOS may have a dual effect, whereas inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase may only partially suppress the development of sensitization to the mephedrone-induced effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Bielecka-Papierz
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 8 Jaczewskiego Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Radziwoń-Zaleska
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, 27 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kołtun-Jasion
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Manke HN, Nelson KH, Huang S, Bailey JM, Bowman SK, Jones RA, Cerveny SE, Rice KC, Riley AL. Methylone pre-exposure differentially impacts the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats: Implications for abuse vulnerability. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 220:173470. [PMID: 36206863 PMCID: PMC9667388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polydrug use is well documented in synthetic cathinone users, although the consequences of such use are not well characterized. In pre-clinical research, a pre-exposure to a drug has been reported to attenuate the aversive effects of other drugs which has implications for their abuse potential. The goal of the present study was to investigate the impact of pre-exposure to the synthetic cathinone methylone on the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA. METHOD Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 10 mg/kg of methylone every 4th day (for a total of five injections) prior to taste avoidance training with 1.8 mg/kg of MDPV or 1 mg/kg of MDMA. RESULTS MDPV and MDMA induced taste avoidance in males and females (all p's < 0.05). In males, methylone pre-exposure attenuated the avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA (all p's < 0.05) with the attenuation greater with MDPV. In females, methylone pre-exposure attenuated avoidance induced by MDPV (all p's < 0.05), but it had no effect on those induced by MDMA (all p's > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effects of exposure to methylone on taste avoidance induced by MDPV and MDMA were drug- (MDPV > MDMA) and sex- (MDMA only in males) dependent. The attenuating effects of methylone pre-exposure on MDPV and MDMA were discussed in terms of their shared neurochemical action. These findings suggest that a history of methylone use may reduce the aversive effects of MDPV and MDMA which may have implications for polydrug use involving the synthetic cathinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Katharine H Nelson
- Reichel Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Jacob M Bailey
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Sara K Bowman
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Robert A Jones
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Sydney E Cerveny
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Serefko A, Bielecka-Papierz G, Talarek S, Szopa A, Skałecki P, Szewczyk B, Radziwoń-Zaleska M, Poleszak E. Central Effects of the Designer Drug Mephedrone in Mice-Basic Studies. Brain Sci 2022; 12:189. [PMID: 35203952 PMCID: PMC8870446 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone belongs to the "party drugs" thanks to its psychostimulant effects, similar to the ones observed after amphetamines. Though mephedrone is used worldwide by humans and in laboratory animals, not all properties of this drug have been discovered yet. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to expand the knowledge about mephedrone's activity in living organisms. A set of behavioral tests (i.e., measurement of the spontaneous locomotor activity, rotarod, chimney, elevated plus maze with its modification, novel object recognition, and pentylenetetrazol seizure tests) were carried out in male albino Swiss mice. Different dose ranges of mephedrone (0.05-5 mg/kg) were administered. We demonstrated that mephedrone at a dose of 5 mg/kg rapidly increased the spontaneous locomotor activity of the tested mice and its repeated administration led to the development of tolerance to these effects. Mephedrone showed the anxiolytic-like potential and improved spatial memory, but it did not affect recognition memory. Moreover, the drug seemed not to have any anticonvulsant or proconvulsant activity. In conclusion, mephedrone induces many central effects. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and peaks in the brain quickly after exposure. Our experiment on inducing a hyperlocomotion effect showed that mephedrone's effects are transient and lasted for a relatively short time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Gabriela Bielecka-Papierz
- Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Piotr Skałecki
- Department of Commodity Science and Processing of Raw Animal Materials, University of Life Sciences, 13 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | | | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Danda H, Pinterová-Leca N, Šíchová K, Štefková-Mazochová K, Syrová K, Olejníková L, Končická M, Mazoch V, Lhotková E, Kuchař M, Páleníček T. Effects of synthetic cathinone naphyrone in the conditioned place preference test - evidence of its addictive potential. Behav Brain Res 2021; 421:113713. [PMID: 34906607 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Naphyrone, also known as NRG-1, is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS), a cathinone with stimulatory properties available on the grey/illicit drug market for almost a decade. It is structurally related to infamously known powerful stimulants with the pyrovalerone structure, such as alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) that are labeled as a cheap replacement for cocaine and other stimulants. Despite the known addictive potential of α-PVP and MDPV, there are no studies directly evaluating naphyrone's addictive potential e.g., in conditioned place preference (CPP) test or using self-administration. Therefore, our study was designed to evaluate the addictive potential in a CPP test in male Wistar rats and compare its effect to another powerful stimulant with a high addictive potential - methamphetamine. Naphyrone increased time spent in the drug-paired compartment with 5 and 20mg/kg s.c. being significant and 10mg/kg s.c. reaching the threshold (p = 0.07); the effect was comparable to that of methamphetamine 1.5mg/kg s.c. The lowest dose, naphyrone 1mg/kg s.c., had no effect on CPP. Interestingly, no dose response effect was detected. Based on these data, we are able to conclude that naphyrone has an addictive potential and may possess a significant risk to users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hynek Danda
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague 10, 100 00, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Pinterová-Leca
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague 10, 100 00, Czech Republic
| | - Klára Šíchová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Štefková-Mazochová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Syrová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague 10, 100 00, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Olejníková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Končická
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Mazoch
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Lhotková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic; Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, Prague 6, 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, 250 67, Czech Republic; 3(rd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, Prague 10, 100 00, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wronikowska O, Zykubek M, Michalak A, Pankowska A, Kozioł P, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kurach Ł, Łazorczyk A, Kochalska K, Talarek S, Słowik T, Pietura R, Kurzepa J, Budzyńska B. Insight into Glutamatergic Involvement in Rewarding Effects of Mephedrone in Rats: In Vivo and Ex Vivo Study. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4413-4424. [PMID: 34021482 PMCID: PMC8487417 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02404-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone is a widely used drug of abuse, exerting its effects by interacting with monoamine transporters. Although this mechanism has been widely studied heretofore, little is known about the involvement of glutamatergic transmission in mephedrone effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated glutamatergic involvement in rewarding effects of mephedrone using an interdisciplinary approach including (1) behavioural study on effects of memantine (non-selective NMDA antagonist) on expression of mephedrone-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats; (2) evaluation of glutamate concentrations in the hippocampus of rats following 6 days of mephedrone administration, using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); and (3) determination of glutamate levels in the hippocampus of rats treated with mephedrone and subjected to MRS, using ion-exchange chromatography. In the presented research, we confirmed priorly reported mephedrone-induced rewarding effects in the CPP paradigm and showed that memantine (5 mg/kg) was able to reverse the expression of this effect. MRS study showed that subchronic mephedrone administration increased glutamate level in the hippocampus when measured in vivo 24 h (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) and 2 weeks (5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) after last injection. Ex vivo chromatographic analysis did not show significant changes in hippocampal glutamate concentrations; however, it showed similar results as obtained in the MRS study proving its validity. Taken together, the presented study provides new insight into glutamatergic involvement in rewarding properties of mephedrone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Wronikowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.,Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Zykubek
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Michalak
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pankowska
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paulina Kozioł
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kurach
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Łazorczyk
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kochalska
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tymoteusz Słowik
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Pietura
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- I Department of Medical Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone and mephedrone self-administration produce differential neurochemical changes following short- or long-access conditions in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173935. [PMID: 33577836 PMCID: PMC7965342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes may occur at different times for different brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of extended access to α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC). Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) or 4MMC (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC, and LgA rats showed more escalation of self-administration than ShA rats. Synthetic cathinone administration produced several effects on neurotransmitters. LgA self-administration of α-PVP increased 5-HIAA levels in all brain regions, compared to control. In contrast, both LgA and ShA 4MMC self-administration decreased 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in most brain regions. LgA exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased DOPAC levels in hypothalamus and striatum, and increased HVA levels in striatum compared to control. LgA self-administration of either synthetic cathinone produced region-specific increases in NE levels, whereas ShA self-administration lowered NE levels in select locations compared to control. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse, and that 21 days of self-administration only models the beginning stages of dysregulated drug intake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Grochecki P, Smaga I, Lopatynska-Mazurek M, Gibula-Tarlowska E, Kedzierska E, Listos J, Talarek S, Marszalek-Grabska M, Hubalewska-Mazgaj M, Korga-Plewko A, Dudka J, Marzec Z, Filip M, Kotlinska JH. Effects of Mephedrone and Amphetamine Exposure during Adolescence on Spatial Memory in Adulthood: Behavioral and Neurochemical Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E589. [PMID: 33435576 PMCID: PMC7827725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthetic cathinone, mephedrone is widely abused by adolescents and young adults. Despite its widespread use, little is known regarding its long-term effects on cognitive function. Therefore, we assessed, for the first time, whether (A) repeated mephedrone (30 mg/kg, i.p., 10 days, once a day) exposure during adolescence (PND 40) induces deleterious effects on spatial memory and reversal learning (Barnes maze task) in adult (PND 71-84) rats and whether (B) these effects were comparable to amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, the influence of these drugs on MMP-9, NMDA receptor subunits (GluN1, GluN2A/2B) and PSD-95 protein expression were assessed in adult rats. The drug effects were evaluated at doses that per se induce rewarding/reinforcing effects in rats. Our results showed deficits in spatial memory (delayed effect of amphetamine) and reversal learning in adult rats that received mephedrone/amphetamine in adolescence. However, the reversal learning impairment may actually have been due to spatial learning rather than cognitive flexibility impairments. Furthermore, mephedrone, but not amphetamine, enhanced with delayed onset, MMP-9 levels in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Mephedrone given during adolescence induced changes in MMP-9 level and up-regulation of the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) in young adult (PND 63) and adult (PND 87) rats. Finally, in adult rats, PSD-95 expression was increased in the prefrontal cortex and decreased in the hippocampus. In contrast, in adult rats exposed to amphetamine in adolescence, GluN2A subunit and PSD-95 expression were decreased (down-regulated) in the hippocampus. Thus, in mephedrone-but not amphetamine-treated rats, the deleterious effects on spatial memory were associated with changes in MMP-9 level. Because the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor dominates in adolescence, mephedrone seems to induce more harmful effects on cognition than amphetamine does during this period of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Grochecki
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Irena Smaga
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.H.-M.); (M.F.)
| | - Malgorzata Lopatynska-Mazurek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Ewa Gibula-Tarlowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Ewa Kedzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Joanna Listos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Hubalewska-Mazgaj
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.H.-M.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Jaroslaw Dudka
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Zbigniew Marzec
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Krakow, Poland; (I.S.); (M.H.-M.); (M.F.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.G.); (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.); (E.K.); (J.L.); (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vulnerability factors for mephedrone-induced conditioned place preference in rats-the impact of sex differences, social-conditioning and stress. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2947-2961. [PMID: 34268586 PMCID: PMC8455394 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05910-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mephedrone is a frequently overused drug of abuse that belongs to the group of novel psychoactive substances. Although its mechanism of action, as well as toxic and psychoactive effects, has been widely studied, the role of different factors that could contribute to the increased vulnerability to mephedrone abuse is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVES The aim of the presented study was to assess the impact of several factors (sex differences, social-conditioning, and chronic mild unpredictable stress - CMUS) on the liability to mephedrone-induced reward in Wistar rats. METHODS The rewarding effects of mephedrone in male and female rats were assessed using the conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure. Furthermore, the impact of social factor and stress was evaluated in male rats using social-CPP and CMUS-dependent CPP, respectively. RESULTS Mephedrone induced classic-CPP in female (10 mg/kg), as well as in male (10 and 20 mg/kg) rats. However, the impact of mephedrone treatment during social-CPP was highly dose-dependent as the rewarding effects of low dose of mephedrone (5 mg/kg; non-active in classic-CPP) were potentiated when administered during social-conditioning. Interestingly, social-conditioning with a higher dose of 20 mg/kg (that induced classic-CPP) was able to reverse these effects. Finally, CMUS potentiated rewarding effects of a low dose of mephedrone (5 mg/kg) and increased the level of corticosterone in rats' prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, the presented results give new insight into possible factors underlying the vulnerability to mephedrone abuse and can serve as a basis for further studies assessing mechanisms underlying observed effects.
Collapse
|
16
|
Designer Cathinones N-Ethylhexedrone and Buphedrone Show Different In Vitro Neurotoxicity and Mice Behaviour Impairment. Neurotox Res 2020; 39:392-412. [PMID: 32535718 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00229-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
N-Ethylhexedrone (NEH) and buphedrone (Buph) are emerging synthetic cathinones (SC) with limited information about their detrimental effects within central nervous system. Objectives: To distinguish mice behavioural changes by NEH and Buph and validate their differential harmful impact on human neurons and microglia. In vivo safety data showed the typical induced behaviour of excitation and stereotypies with 4-64 mg/kg, described for other SC. Buph additionally produced jumping and aggressiveness signs, while NEH caused retropulsion and circling. Transient reduction in body-weight gain was obtained with NEH at 16 mg/kg and induced anxiolytic-like behaviour mainly with Buph. Both drugs generated place preference shift in mice at 4 and 16 mg/kg, suggestive of abuse potential. In addition, mice withdrawn NEH displayed behaviour suggestive of depression, not seen with Buph. When tested at 50-400 μM in human nerve cell lines, NEH and Buph caused neuronal viability loss at 100 μM, but only NEH produced similar results in microglia, indicating different cell susceptibilities. NEH mainly induced microglial late apoptosis/necrosis, while Buph caused early apoptosis. NEH was unique in triggering microglia shorter/thicker branches indicative of cell activation, and more effective in increasing microglial lysosomal biogenesis (100 μM vs. 400 μM Buph), though both produced the same effect on neurons at 400 μM. These findings indicate that NEH and Buph exert neuro-microglia toxicities by distinct mechanisms and highlight NEH as a specific inducer of microglia activation. Buph and NEH showed in vivo/in vitro neurotoxicities but enhanced specific NEH-induced behavioural and neuro-microglia dysfunctionalities pose safety concerns over that of Buph.
Collapse
|
17
|
Combined effects of mephedrone and cocaine on locomotor activity and conditioned place preference in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 31:368-377. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
18
|
Limenie AA, Tolessa T, Makonnen E, Seifu D. Rewarding Effect of Catha edulis (Khat) and the Sex Differences to the Responses in Swiss Albino Mice. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:279-289. [PMID: 32273781 PMCID: PMC7106998 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s242036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Burden of substance abuse is becoming a worldwide problem. One of the psychostimulant plants widely consumed in Ethiopia and other East African countries is Catha edulis Forsk (khat). Most of the users claim that its stimulatory effect is the determinant factor that makes them use. However, its rewarding and reinforcing potential and variation between sexes have not been investigated. This study was, therefore, designed to measure the rewarding effect of khat extract (ke) in the addiction mice model of both sexes. Materials and Methods Forty-eight Swiss albino mice of both sexes (age 6–7 weeks) weighing 21–33 gm were used. The mice were conditioned to ke (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg b.w). The control group was conditioned to tween 80 (2%, v/v) in distilled water. The reinforcing effect of khat was evaluated using the conditioned place preference paradigm. The classical pairing to the extract was made using the place conditioning box. Post-conditioning tests have been conducted four times and the average values were taken for analysis using SPSS version 21.0. Results Time spent in the khat-paired compartment was significantly higher for mice conditioned to ke 200 mg/kg (p<0.05) and ke 300 mg/kg (p<0.001). The rewarding effect of khat was strong in females at a higher dose when compared to the same sex of mice conditioned to the vehicle (p<0.001) or male mice conditioned to the same dose of khat extract (p<0.05). Repeated administration increased khat rewarding sensitization at all doses. Though the crude khat extract did not affect the food consumption and total body weight, water consumption was significantly less in mice received ke 100 mg/kg (p<0.01), where it was significantly higher in mice received ke 300 mg/kg (p<0.01). Sniffing (p<0.05) and climbing (p<0.05) psychomotor activities of mice were also affected by the crude khat extract. Conclusion Mice showed place conditioning to khat extract, and the response was significantly higher in female mice. The crude khat extract did not affect food consumption and total body weight. The mechanisms behind the rewarding response of khat extract and sexual differences should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abebaye Aragaw Limenie
- Department of Physiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Tolessa
- Department of Physiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Seifu
- Department of Biochemistry, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Locomotor sensitization in male Sprague-Dawley rats following repeated concurrent treatment with 4-methylmethcathinone and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 30:566-573. [PMID: 31268871 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recreational abuse of illicit synthetic cathinones is an ongoing public health concern. Recent studies indicate that the methcathinone derivative 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) produces behavioral and neurochemical effects similar to the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Whereas polysubstance abuse is common, most preclinical studies of drug abuse liability only evaluate the effects of single drugs. Utilizing the locomotor sensitization paradigm, the present study assessed the combined locomotor stimulant effects of 4-MMC and MDMA for induction of sensitization following repeated administration and for expression of sensitization to a challenge dose of either substance alone after a 10-day period of drug abstinence. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received once daily intraperitoneal injections of saline, 4-MMC (1.0 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg), MDMA (3.0 mg/kg), or a mixture containing 4-MMC (1.0 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg) + MDMA (3.0 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Following a 10-day drug-free period, rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of either saline, 4-MMC (1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg), or 3.0 mg/kg MDMA. Activity was recorded for 1 h immediately before and 1 h immediately after injections on days 1, 7, and 17. 4-MMC treatment failed to induce locomotor sensitization, but, when combined with MDMA, sensitization was induced to a greater extent than with MDMA alone. Furthermore, the expression of sensitization to a subsequent challenge dose of MDMA was observed only in animals previously exposed to MDMA or a 5.0 mg/kg 4-MMC + MDMA mixture. In consideration of these findings along with the fact that 4-MMC has similar neurochemical actions to MDMA, further research may be warranted to determine the abuse liability of drug mixtures including 4-MMC and MDMA.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abiero A, Botanas CJ, Custodio RJ, Sayson LV, Kim M, Lee HJ, Kim HJ, Lee KW, Jeong Y, Seo JW, Ryu IS, Lee YS, Cheong JH. 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo, new dissociative drugs, produce rewarding and reinforcing effects through activation of mesolimbic dopamine pathway and alteration of accumbal CREB, deltaFosB, and BDNF levels. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:757-772. [PMID: 31828394 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05412-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A high number of synthetic dissociative drugs continue to be available through online stores, leading to their misuse. Recent inclusions in this category are 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo, analogs of phencyclidine. Although the dissociative effects of these drugs and their recreational use have been reported, no studies have investigated their abuse potential. OBJECTIVES To examine their rewarding and reinforcing effects and explore the mechanistic correlations. METHODS We used conditioned place preference (CPP), self-administration, and locomotor sensitization tests to assess the rewarding and reinforcing effects of the drugs. We explored their mechanism of action by pretreating dopamine receptor (DR) D1 antagonist SCH23390 and DRD2 antagonist haloperidol during CPP test and investigated the effects of 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo on dopamine-related proteins in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. We also measured the levels of dopamine, phosphorylated cyclic-AMP response element-binding (p-CREB) protein, deltaFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens. Additionally, we examined the effects of both drugs on brain wave activity using electroencephalography. RESULTS While both 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo induced CPP and self-administration, only 4-MeO-PCP elicited locomotor sensitization. SCH23390 and haloperidol inhibited the acquisition of drug CPP. 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo altered the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, DRD1, DRD2, and dopamine, as well as that of p-CREB, deltaFosB, and BDNF. All drugs increased the delta and gamma wave activity, whereas pretreatment with SCH23390 and haloperidol inhibited it. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that 4-MeO-PCP and 3-MeO-PCMo induce rewarding and reinforcing effects that are probably mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system, suggesting an abuse liability in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvie Abiero
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Raly James Custodio
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Leandro Val Sayson
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jun Lee
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Won Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngdo Jeong
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Ryu
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy & Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Republic of Korea. .,School of Pharmacy, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Riley AL, Nelson KH, To P, López-Arnau R, Xu P, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen HW, Kuhn DM, Angoa-Perez M, Anneken JH, Muskiewicz D, Hall FS. Abuse potential and toxicity of the synthetic cathinones (i.e., “Bath salts”). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:150-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
22
|
Santos‐Toscano R, Guirguis A, Davidson C. How preclinical studies have influenced novel psychoactive substance legislation in the UK and Europe. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:452-481. [DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Santos‐Toscano
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences University of Central Lancashire UK
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University Swansea UK
| | - Colin Davidson
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences University of Central Lancashire UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mead J, Parrott A. Mephedrone and MDMA: A comparative review. Brain Res 2020; 1735:146740. [PMID: 32087112 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone and MDMA are both constituents of party drugs, with mephedrone being relatively new compared to MDMA. This review compares current knowledge regarding the patterns of usage and neuropsychobiological effects of both mephedrone and MDMA. Both drugs share common psychoactive effects, the duration of which is significantly shorter with mephedrone use, attributing towards a pattern of binge use among users. Both drugs have also been associated with adverse health, psychiatric, and neurocognitive problems. Whilst there is extensive research into the psychobiological problems induced by MDMA, the evidence for mephedrone is comparatively limited. The adverse effect profile of mephedrone appears to be less severe than that of MDMA. Users often believe it to be safer, although both drugs have been associated with overdoses. The neurotoxic potential of mephedrone appears to be low, whereas MDMA can cause long-term damage to the serotonergic system, although this needs further investigation. The abuse liability of mephedrone is significantly greater than that of MDMA, raising concerns regarding the impact of lifetime usage on users. Given that mephedrone is relatively new, the effects of long-term exposure are yet to be documented. Future research focused on lifetime users may highlight more severe neuropsychobiological effects from the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mead
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Parrott
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Synthetic cathinones and their phenethylamine analogues produce distinct psychomotor and reward behavior in crayfish. Behav Brain Res 2020; 379:112368. [PMID: 31743730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones share potent sympathomimetic properties with amphetamines due to their shared phenethylamine backbone. Despite recent work focused on understanding the behavioral effects of synthetic cathinones, a systematic comparison of neuropharmacology, behavior, and physiological effects with other stimulants, has remained elusive. In the present study, we explore the behavioral effects of cathinones in crayfish, a model system which combines a well characterized behavioral paradigm for addiction-like behaviors, a modularly organized nervous system, the lack of a formal blood-brain barrier, and experimental tractability. The objective of this study was to characterize the psychomotor and rewarding effects of methylated cathinones (methylone, mephedrone), and their non β-ketone substituted amphetamine analogs (4-methylmethamphetamine, 4-MMA and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA) in crayfish. Our results suggest that these drugs produce psychostimulation, which sensitizes upon repeated drug administration. Furthermore, crayfish demonstrated a conditioned substrate preference for mephedrone and 4-MMA drug-pairings at a 10 μg/g dose, a preference which persisted even through a series of extinction trials. Our study indicates that synthetic cathinones and substituted amphetamine analogues produce distinct behavioral effects in an invertebrate system which consists of a relatively simple neuronal organization. The present findings provide an evolutionary context to our understanding about how drugs of abuse initiate reward at levels far beyond those specific to humans.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wojcieszak J, Andrzejczak D, Wojtas A, Gołembiowska K, Zawilska JB. Comparative neuropharmacological studies on three pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinones. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (3,4-MDPV) is a prevalent member of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a group of new psychoactive substances, known for its strong psychostimulant effect resulting from potent stimulation of dopamine (DA) circuitry in the brain. As 3,4-MDPV and its derivatives are successively being scheduled, each year novel analogs appear on the market. This study aimed at examination and direct comparison of psychostimulant properties of structural isomer of 3,4-MDPV, namely 2,3-MDPV along with a model α-pyrrolidinophenone, pyrovalerone.
Methods
Open field spontaneous locomotor activity of mice was assessed as a measure of psychostimulant potency. To evaluate the in vivo pharmacological properties of the drugs, extracellular levels of DA and serotonin (5-HT) in the mouse striatum were measured using an in vivo microdialysis technique followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Involvement of dopaminergic system in the behavioral effects of the tested α-pyrrolidinophenones was examined by pre-treatment with a selective D1-DA receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, before measurement of locomotor activity in response to the drugs.
Results
3,4-MDPV, 2,3-MDPV and pyrovalerone produced time- and dose-dependent stimulation of locomotor activity, with 3,4-MDPV being more potent than the other two compounds. Observed locomotor stimulation was mediated by elevated DA-ergic neurotransmission, as all compounds caused a significant increase of extracellular DA levels in the striatum, with 3,4-MDPV being the most potent, and psychostimulant effects were abolished by SCH 23390. Interestingly, the tested pyrovalerones caused in vivo elevation of extracellular 5-HT levels, which contrasted with their in vitro pharmacologic properties.
Conclusions
Pyrovalerone, 2,3-MDPV and 3,4-MDPV produced psychostimulant effects mediated by stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Additionally, all tested compounds elevated extracellular levels of 5-HT in vivo.
Collapse
|
26
|
Marusich JA, Gay EA, Watson SL, Blough BE. Synthetic cathinone self-administration in female rats modulates neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112211. [PMID: 31493431 PMCID: PMC6783379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used for their stimulant-like properties. Stimulant-induced neurochemical changes are thought to occur at different times in different brain regions and neurotransmitter systems. This study sought to examine the behavioral and neurochemical effects of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) and mephedrone (4MMC) in female rats. Methods probed the chronology of effects of synthetic cathinone exposure. Female rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, 4MMC, or saline. Drug exposure ceased after 7 days of autoshaping for half of each drug group; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus were extracted, and tissue was analyzed with electrochemical detection and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Responding was minimal during autoshaping; thus, most infusions were delivered noncontingently in the autoshaping phase. Rats acquired self-administration of α-PVP and 4MMC. Synthetic cathinone administration, and duration of exposure produced several effects on neurotransmitters. α-PVP primarily increased serotonin, 5-hydroxy-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), norepinephrine, and glutamate in hypothalamus. In contrast, 4MMC decreased serotonin and 5-HIAA in several brain regions. Longer durations of exposure to both synthetic cathinones increased 5-HIAA, norepinephrine, and glutamate in multiple brain regions compared to the short exposure during autoshaping. Notably, both α-PVP and 4MMC produced minimal changes in dopamine levels, suggesting that the dopaminergic effects of these synthetic cathinones are transient. These alterations in neurotransmitter levels indicate that synthetic cathinone use may produce differential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Scott L Watson
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Effects of N-ethylpentylone on locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 30:500-505. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
28
|
Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kurzepa J, Biała G, Kaszubska K, Grot K, Tarkowski P, Kowalczyk J, Silvestro S, Faggio C, Budzyńska B. Mephedrone Impact on Matrix Metalloproteinases Activity - Do they Influence the Memory Processes? Curr Mol Pharmacol 2019; 12:115-121. [PMID: 30648530 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666190114154307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of drugs of addiction, as mephedrone, is associated with functional neuronal disorders due to remodeling of the nervous tissue. Key enzymes in remodeling are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteases like matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Recently, MMPs have been of great interest as some studies point to a fact that the alterations in structural remodeling of synaptic connections modify learning-dependent changes, which remain active even after a prolonged period of abstinence. This entails a continuous development of dependence. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to determine the influence of subchronic exposure to three different doses of mephedrone on the activity of MMP-2 and 9 in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and how this was correlated with memory processes in mice. METHODS The homogenates of hippocampus and cortex were assayed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity by gelatin zymography. Memory consolidation processes were evaluated in the passive avoidance (PA) test. RESULTS The study confirmed the dose-dependent increase in activity of MMP-2 and -9 exerted by subchronic administration of mephedrone. Moreover, the highest dose of mephedrone attenuated consolidation of memory and learning processes. CONCLUSIONS We could hypothesize that inhibition of MMPs can be considered as a therapeutic option for the treatment of addictive behaviors associated with cognitive processes. Moreover, further studies are required to find out if elevated activities of MMPs contribute to brain damage or recovery from brain damage caused directly by mephedrone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Kurzepa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Biała
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kaszubska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Grot
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Tarkowski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 4a Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kowalczyk
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, 1 Chodzki Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Serena Silvestro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, S. Agata-Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, S. Agata-Messina, Italy
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Laboratory of Behavioral Research, Jaczewskiego 8d Str., Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dopaminergic Effects of Major Bath Salt Constituents 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), Mephedrone, and Methylone Are Enhanced Following Co-exposure. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:132-143. [PMID: 30879275 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Designer drug mixtures popularized as "bath salts" often contain the synthetic cathinones 3,4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), mephedrone, and methylone in various combinations. However, most preclinical investigations have only assessed the effects of individual bath salt constituents, and little is known about whether co-exposure to MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone produces significant neuropharmacological interactions. This study evaluated and compared how MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone influence discrete brain tissue dopamine (DA) levels and motor stimulant responses in mice when administered alone and as a ternary mixture. Male adolescent Swiss-Webster mice received intraperitoneal injections of saline or 1 or 10 mg/kg doses of MDPV, mephedrone, or methylone, or a cocktail of all three cathinones at doses of 1, 3.3, or 10 mg/kg each. The effect of each treatment on DA and DA metabolite levels in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal brain tissue was quantified 15 min after a single exposure using HPLC-ECD. Additionally, locomotor activity was recorded in mice after acute (day 1) and chronic intermittent (day 7) dosing. MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone produced dose-related increases in mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA levels that were significantly enhanced following their co-administration. In addition, mice treated with the cathinone cocktail displayed decreased locomotor activity on day 1 that was exacerbated by day 7 and not observed with any of the drugs alone. Our findings demonstrate a significant enhanced effect of MDPV, mephedrone, and methylone on both DA, and these effects on DA result in significant alterations in locomotor activity.
Collapse
|
30
|
Leyrer-Jackson JM, Nagy EK, Olive MF. Cognitive deficits and neurotoxicity induced by synthetic cathinones: is there a role for neuroinflammation? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1079-1095. [PMID: 30368582 PMCID: PMC6486871 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5067-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The number of synthetic derivatives of cathinone, the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in Catha edulis (khat), has risen exponentially in the past decade. Synthetic cathinones (frequently referred to as "bath salts") produce adverse cognitive and behavioral sequelae, share similar pharmacological mechanisms of action with traditional psychostimulants, and may therefore trigger similar cellular events that give rise to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVES In this review, we provide a brief overview of synthetic cathinones, followed by a summary of cognitive deficits in animals and humans that have been documented following acute or repeated exposure. We also summarize growing evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies for synthetic cathinone-induced neurotoxicity, and provide a working hypothetic model of potential cellular mechanisms. RESULTS Synthetic cathinones produce varying effects on markers of monoaminergic terminal function and can increase the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, induce apoptotic signaling, and cause neurodegeneration and cytotoxicity. We hypothesize that these effects result from biochemical events similar to those induced by traditional psychostimulants. However, empirical evidence for the ability of synthetic cathinones to induce neuroinflammatory processes is currently lacking. CONCLUSIONS Like their traditional psychostimulant counterparts, synthetic cathinones appear to induce neurocognitive dysfunction and cytotoxicity, which are dependent on drug type, dose, frequency, and time following exposure. However, additional studies on synthetic cathinone-induced neuroinflammation are clearly needed, as are investigations into the neurochemical and neuroimmune mechanisms underlying their neurotoxic effects. Such endeavors may lead to novel therapeutic avenues to promote recovery in habitual synthetic cathinone users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Foster Olive
- Correspondence to: M. Foster Olive, Ph.D. Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave. Tempe, AZ 85287 USA, Phone 1-480-727-9557, Fax 1-480-965-8544,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Saber I, Milewski A, Reitz AB, Rawls SM, Walker EA. Effects of dopaminergic and serotonergic compounds in rats trained to discriminate a high and a low training dose of the synthetic cathinone mephedrone. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1015-1029. [PMID: 30980094 PMCID: PMC6589396 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The underlying pharmacological mechanisms of mephedrone, especially as related to interactions with different neurotransmitter systems, are a critical area of study as mephedrone continues to be abused. OBJECTIVE Direct-acting 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonists and antagonists and D1-3 receptor antagonists were examined in two groups of rats trained to discriminate mephedrone. A high dose of mephedrone was trained to extend previous results with traditional monoamine transporter inhibitors and substrate releasers. A very low dose of mephedrone was trained to preferentially capture serotonergic activity and to minimize the influence of rate-decreasing effects on substitution patterns. Selective 5-HT2A/2C and D1-3 receptor antagonists were examined in both groups. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate either a low dose of 0.5 mg/kg mephedrone (N = 24) or a high dose of 3.2 mg/kg mephedrone (N = 11) from saline. RESULTS In the low training-dose group, mephedrone, MDMA, methamphetamine, d-amphetamine, cocaine, and enantiomers of mephedrone substituted for mephedrone; mCPP partially substituted overall for mephedrone; and DOI, WAY163909, and morphine failed to substitute for mephedrone. In the high training-dose group, only mephedrone and MDMA substituted for mephedrone. Sulpiride produced a small antagonism of the low training dose of mephedrone while SCH23390, SB242084, and ketanserin altered response rates. CONCLUSIONS A lower training dose of mephedrone produces a discriminative stimulus fully mimicked by MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, and d-amphetamine, whereas a higher training dose of mephedrone requires a discriminative stimulus that was only mimicked by MDMA. Dopaminergic or serotoninergic antagonists failed to produce significant blockade of mephedrone at either training dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Saber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew Milewski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Scott M. Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, and Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ellen A. Walker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Center for Substance Abuse Research, and Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pantano F, Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Pacifici R, di Luca A, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Neurotoxicity Induced by Mephedrone: An up-to-date Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:738-749. [PMID: 27908258 PMCID: PMC5771050 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161130130718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone is a β-ketoamphetamine belonging to the family of synthetic cathinones, an emerging class of designer drugs known for their hallucinogenic and psychostimulant properties as well as for their abuse potential. The aim of this review was to examine the emerging scientific literature on the possible mephedrone-induced neurotoxicity, yet not well defined due to the limited number of experimental studies, mainly carried on animal models. Relevant scientific articles were identified from international literature databases (Medline, Scopus, etc.) using the keywords: “Mephedrone”, “4-MMC,” “neurotoxicity,” “neuropharmacology”, “patents”, “monoamine transporters” and “neurochemical effects”. Of the 498 sources initially found, only 36 papers were suitable for the review. Neurotoxic effect of mephedrone on 5-HT and DA systems remains controversial. Although some studies in animal models reported no damage to DA nerve endings in the striatum and no significant changes in brain monoamine levels, some others suggested a rapid reduction in 5-HT and DA transporter function. Persistent serotonergic deficits were observed after binge like treatment in a warm environment and in both serotonergic and dopaminergic nerve endings at high ambient temperature. Oxidative stress cytotoxicity and an increase in frontal cortex lipid peroxidation were also reported. In vitro cytotoxic properties were also observed, suggesting that mephedrone may act as a reductant agent and can also determine changes in mitochondrial respiration. However, due to the differences in the design of the experiments, including temperature and animal model used, the results are difficult to compare. Further studies on toxicology and pharmacology of mephedrone are therefore necessary to establish an appropriate treatment for substance abuse and eventual consequences for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pantano
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Alessandro di Luca
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy. Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Šíchová K, Pinterová N, Židková M, Horsley RR, Lhotková E, Štefková K, Vejmola Č, Uttl L, Balíková M, Kuchař M, Páleníček T. Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone): Acute Behavioral Effects, Hyperthermic, and Pharmacokinetic Profile in Rats. Front Psychiatry 2018; 8:306. [PMID: 29375408 PMCID: PMC5767720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (MEPH) is a synthetic cathinone derivative with effects that mimic MDMA and/or cocaine. Our study in male Wistar rats provides detailed investigations of MEPH's and its primary metabolite nor-mephedrone's (nor-MEPH) pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution to four different substrates (serum, brain, lungs, and liver), as well as comparative analysis of their effects on locomotion [open field test (OFT)] and sensorimotor gating [prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle reaction (PPI ASR)]. Furthermore, in order to mimic the crowded condition where MEPH is typically taken (e.g., clubs), the acute effect of MEPH on thermoregulation in singly- and group-housed rats was evaluated. Pharmacokinetics of MEPH and nor-MEPH after MEPH (5 mg/kg, sc.) were analyzed over 8 h using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. MEPH (2.5, 5, or 20 mg/kg, sc.) and nor-MEPH (5 mg/kg, sc.) were administered 5 or 40 min before the behavioral testing in the OFT and PPI ASR; locomotion and its spatial distribution, ASR, habituation and PPI itself were quantified. The effect of MEPH on rectal temperature was measured after 5 and 20 mg/kg, sc. Both MEPH and nor-MEPH were detected in all substrates, with the highest levels detected in lungs. Mean brain: serum ratios were 1:1.19 (MEPH) and 1:1.91 (nor-MEPH), maximum concentrations were observed at 30 min; at 2 and 4 h after administration, nor-MEPH concentrations were higher compared to the parent drug. While neither of the drugs disrupted PPI, both increased locomotion and affected its spatial distribution. The effects of MEPH were dose dependent, rapid, and short-lasting, and the intensity of locomotor stimulant effects was comparable between MEPH and nor-MEPH. Despite the disappearance of behavioral effects within 40 min after administration, MEPH induced rectal temperature elevations that persisted for 3 h even in singly housed rats. To conclude, we observed a robust, short-lasting, and most likely synergistic stimulatory effect of both drugs which corresponded to brain pharmacokinetics. The dissociation between the duration of behavioral and hyperthermic effects is indicative of the possible contribution of nor-MEPH or other biologically active metabolites. This temporal dissociation may be related to the risk of prolonged somatic toxicity when stimulatory effects are no longer present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klára Šíchová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Pinterová
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Židková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rachel R. Horsley
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Lhotková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Štefková
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Čestmír Vejmola
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Uttl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Balíková
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kuchař
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Páleníček
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Oh JH, Hwang JY, Hong SI, Ma SX, Seo JY, Lee SY, Kim HC, Jang CG. The new designer drug buphedrone produces rewarding properties via dopamine D1 receptor activation. Addict Biol 2018; 23:69-79. [PMID: 27790823 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Substituted cathinones are synthetic analogs of the active components of natural products and are widely abused worldwide. However, the rewarding properties of these agents have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the abuse potential of buphedrone [2-(methylamino)-1-phenylbutan-1-one, α-methylamino-butyrophenone] and its effects on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in mice using conditioned place preference (CPP) analysis, a self-administration test, a locomotor activity test, a behavioral sensitization test and Western blot analysis. Treatment with buphedrone supported CPP and self-administration, enhanced locomotor activity and produced behavioral sensitization when mice were challenged with methamphetamine. SCH23390, a D1 dopamine antagonist, prevented buphedrone-induced CPP, whereas raclopride, a D2 dopamine antagonist, had no effect. SCH23390 also blocked locomotor activity increase by buphedrone, while raclopride partially attenuated locomotor activation. Western blot analysis revealed that repeated buphedrone treatment increased D1 dopamine receptor expression in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens in mice. Collectively, these findings suggest the abuse potential of buphedrone and demonstrate the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the establishment of its rewarding properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hwan Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Ji-Young Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Sa-Ik Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Shi-Xun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Jee-Yeon Seo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neurotoxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Korea Institute of Drug Abuse; Kangwon National University; Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Philogene-Khalid HL, Simmons SJ, Nayak S, Martorana RM, Su SH, Caro Y, Ranieri B, DiFurio K, Mo L, Gentile TA, Murad A, Reitz AB, Muschamp JW, Rawls SM. Stereoselective Differences between the Reinforcing and Motivational Effects of Cathinone-Derived 4-Methylmethcathinone (Mephedrone) In Self-Administering Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2648-2654. [PMID: 28885007 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC)) (MEPH) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) of the synthetic cathinone class. MEPH has a chiral center and exists as two enantiomers (R-,S-MEPH), yet stereospecific effects of MEPH have not been extensively investigated in preclinical assays. Because significant behavioral and neurochemical differences can exist between enantiomers, probing effects of stereochemistry on biological activity enables separation of adverse and therapeutic effects. Our prior work showed that R-MEPH, relative to S-MEPH, produced greater locomotor activation, place preference, and facilitation of brain reward thresholds in rodents. The present study sought to determine if MEPH enantiomers display stereospecific reward and reinforcement in rat self-administration assays. In Experiment 1, rats were trained to self-administer racemic MEPH (0.50 mg/kg/inf), and dose substitution effects of R-MEPH (0.50 mg/kg/inf) and S-MEPH (0.25, 0.50, 2.00 mg/kg/inf) were examined. In Experiment 2, separate rats were trained to self-administer R-MEPH (0.25, 0.50, 2.00 mg/kg/inf) or S-MEPH (0.25, 0.50, 2.00 mg/kg/inf) and were thereafter evaluated under progressive-ratio access conditions. Within this cohort, 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were recorded to measure potential differences in subjective positive affect associated with MEPH enantiomer self-administration. We identified enantiomer- and dose-dependent effects on infusions earned during self-administration following acquisition of racemic MEPH, with greatest infusions under low-effort, fixed-ratio 1 access conditions from low-dose S-MEPH self-administration. When taxed with progressive-ratio access conditions, rats trained to self-administer R-MEPH showed higher break points than those of rats trained to self-administer S-MEPH. Additionally, R-MEPH elicited greatest rates of 50 kHz USVs compared to S-MEPH. Taken together, these data suggest that the R-enantiomer of MEPH is primarily responsible for the rewarding, reinforcing, and motivational properties of racemic MEPH, which increases our understanding of stereospecific preferences pertaining to MEPH abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene L. Philogene-Khalid
- Department of Pharmacology,
Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Steven J. Simmons
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Sunil Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology,
Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Rose M. Martorana
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Shu H. Su
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Yohanka Caro
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Brona Ranieri
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Kathryn DiFurio
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Lili Mo
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Taylor A. Gentile
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Ali Murad
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Allen B. Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - John W. Muschamp
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology,
Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Berquist MD, Thompson NA, Baker LE. Evaluation of training dose in male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 4-methylmethcathinone. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:3271-3278. [PMID: 28815279 PMCID: PMC5717759 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4716-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although the synthetic cathinone 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC, mephedrone) has been a subject of intensive research investigation, the pharmacological mechanisms involved in its interoceptive stimulus effects have yet to be fully characterized. OBJECTIVE The present study employed drug discrimination methods in rats to compare the interoceptive stimulus properties of two different training doses of 4-MMC to other substances with similar pharmacological actions. METHODS Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate either 1.0 mg/kg (N = 8) or 3.0 mg/kg (N = 8) 4-MMC from saline. Substitution tests were conducted with drugs that increase extracellular monoamine levels (d-amphetamine, (+)-methamphetamine, 4-MMC, MDMA, MDPV, and (-)-cocaine), a serotonin releaser (+)-fenfluramine, and a serotonergic (5-HT2A) hallucinogen (+)-LSD. RESULTS Stimulus control was established in fewer sessions in the subjects trained with 3.0 mg/kg compared to those trained with 1.0 mg/kg 4-MMC. Cocaine, MDMA, and d-amphetamine produced full substitution in the 1.0 mg/kg 4-MMC-trained rats at doses that did not decrease response rate. However, doses of test drugs that engendered > 80% 4-MMC-lever selection concurrently produced rate-decreasing effects in rats trained to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg 4-MMC. CONCLUSIONS These findings further characterize the interoceptive stimulus effects of 4-MMC and indicate that these effects vary little with training dose; however, qualitative differences in substitutability of test drugs were observed between training groups. This study expands existing knowledge regarding the psychopharmacology of 4-MMC and the potential neurochemical substrates contributing to its subjective effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Berquist
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Nathyn A Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Lisa E Baker
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Silva B, Fernandes C, Guedes de Pinho P, Remião F. Chiral Resolution and Enantioselectivity of Synthetic Cathinones: A Brief Review. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 42:17-24. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Silva
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Remião
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Philogene-Khalid HL, Hicks C, Reitz AB, Liu-Chen LY, Rawls SM. Synthetic cathinones and stereochemistry: S enantiomer of mephedrone reduces anxiety- and depressant-like effects in cocaine- or MDPV-abstinent rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 178. [PMID: 28646714 PMCID: PMC5548612 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The neuropharmacological profile of the synthetic cathinone mephedrone (MEPH) is influenced by stereochemistry. Both MEPH enantiomers are monoamine transporter substrates, but R-MEPH is primarily responsible for rewarding effects of MEPH as it produces greater locomotor activation and intracranial self-stimulation than S-MEPH. S-MEPH is a 50-fold more potent 5-HT releaser than R-MEPH and does not place preference in rats. MEPH is also structurally similar to the cathinone derivative bupropion, an antidepressant and smoking cessation medication, suggesting MEPH has therapeutic and addictive properties. METHODS We tested the hypothesis that S-MEPH reduces anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rats withdrawn from chronic cocaine or methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST), respectively. Rats were tested 48-h after a binge-like paradigm (3×/day for 10days in 1-h intervals) of cocaine (10mg/kg), MDPV (1mg/kg) or saline. In vitro studies assessed the receptor binding and activity of S-MEPH. KEY RESULTS Rats withdrawn from chronic cocaine or MDPV displayed an increase in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors that was antagonized by treatment with S-MEPH (10, 30mg/kg). S-MEPH displayed affinity, but not agonist activity, for 5-HT2 receptors (2A-2C) and showed negligible affinity for dopaminergic, adrenergic and nicotinic receptors. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION S-MEPH attenuated withdrawal behaviors following chronic cocaine or MDPV, perhaps through 5-HT release and/or 5-HT2 receptor interactions. The present data suggest S-MEPH may be a possible structural and pharmacological template to develop maintenance therapy for acute anxiety and depression during early withdrawal from psychostimulant abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene L. Philogene-Khalid
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen B. Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center Inc., Doylestown, PA
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Anneken JH, Angoa-Perez M, Sati GC, Crich D, Kuhn DM. Assessing the role of dopamine in the differential neurotoxicity patterns of methamphetamine, mephedrone, methcathinone and 4-methylmethamphetamine. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:46-56. [PMID: 28851615 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine and mephedrone are designer drugs with high abuse liability and they share extensive similarities in their chemical structures and neuropharmacological effects. However, these drugs differ in one significant regard: methamphetamine elicits dopamine neurotoxicity and mephedrone does not. From a structural perspective, mephedrone has a β-keto group and a 4-methyl ring addition, both of which are lacking in methamphetamine. Our previous studies found that methcathinone, which contains only the β-keto substituent, is neurotoxic, while 4-methylmethamphetamine, which contains only the 4-methyl ring substituent, elicits minimal neurotoxicity. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the varying neurotoxic potential associated with these compounds is mediated by the drug-releasable pool of dopamine, which may be accessed by methamphetamine more readily than mephedrone, methcathinone, and 4-methylmethamphetamine. To test this hypothesis, l-DOPA and pargyline, compounds known to increase both the releasable pool of dopamine and methamphetamine neurotoxicity, were combined with mephedrone, 4-methylmethamphetamine and methcathinone. Methamphetamine was also tested because of its ability to increase releasable dopamine. All three regimens significantly enhanced striatal neurotoxicity and glial reactivity for 4-methylmethamphetamine. Methcathinone neurotoxicity and glial reactivity were enhanced only by l-DOPA. Mephedrone remained non-neurotoxic when combined with either l-DOPA or pargyline. Body temperature effects of each designer drug were not altered by the combined treatments. These results support the conclusion that the neurotoxicity of 4-methylmethamphetamine, methcathinone and methamphetamine may be differentially regulated by the drug-releasable pool of dopamine due to β-keto and 4-methyl substituents, but that mephedrone remains non-neurotoxic despite large increases in this pool of dopamine. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Girish C Sati
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David Crich
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hicks C, Gregg RA, Nayak SU, Cannella LA, Schena GJ, Tallarida CS, Reitz AB, Smith GR, Rawls SM. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) inhibitor 2-PMPA reduces rewarding effects of the synthetic cathinone MDPV in rats: a role for N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1671-1681. [PMID: 28251297 PMCID: PMC5433920 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Metabotropic glutamate 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3) receptors are implicated in drug addiction as they limit excessive glutamate release during relapse. N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is an endogenous mGluR2/3 agonist that is inactivated by the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) enzyme. GCPII inhibitors, and NAAG itself, attenuate cocaine-seeking behaviors. However, their effects on the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have not been examined. OBJECTIVES We determined whether withdrawal following repeated MDPV administration alters GCPII expression in corticolimbic regions. We also examined whether a GCPII inhibitor (2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA)), and NAAG, reduce the rewarding and locomotor-stimulant effects of MDPV in rats. METHODS GCPII was assessed following repeated MDPV exposure (7 days). The effects of 2-PMPA and NAAG on acute MDPV-induced hyperactivity were determined using a locomotor test. We also examined the inhibitory effects of 2-PMPA and NAAG on MDPV-induced place preference, and whether the mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 could prevent these effects. RESULTS MDPV withdrawal reduced GCPII expression in the prefrontal cortex. Systemic injection of 2-PMPA (100 mg/kg) did not affect the hyperactivity produced by MDPV (0.5-3 mg/kg). However, nasal administration of NAAG did reduce MDPV-induced ambulation, but only at the highest dose (500 μg/10 μl). We also showed that 2-PMPA (10-30 mg/kg) and NAAG (10-500 μg/10 μl) dose-dependently attenuated MDPV place preference, and that the effect of NAAG was blocked by LY341495 (3 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that MDPV withdrawal produces dysregulation in the endogenous NAAG-GCPII signaling pathway in corticolimbic circuitry. Systemic administration of the GCPII inhibitor 2-PMPA, or NAAG, attenuates MDPV reward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan A Gregg
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunil U Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lee Anne Cannella
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giana J Schena
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher S Tallarida
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen B Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Garry R Smith
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
DeLarge AF, Erwin LL, Winsauer PJ. Atypical binding at dopamine and serotonin transporters contribute to the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone. Neuropharmacology 2017; 119:62-75. [PMID: 28396142 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a constituent of the recreational substances known as "bath salts", is a synthetic cathinone that can produce auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as problematic cardiovascular effects. This study compared the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone (0.32-10 mg/kg) with other prototypical drugs of abuse: cocaine (0.56-32 mg/kg), d-amphetamine (0.18-3.2 mg/kg), ketamine (1.8-18 mg/kg), phencyclidine (PCP, 1-5.6 mg/kg), heroin (1-10 mg/kg), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (R-DOI, 0.1-1 mg/kg), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC 0.56-5.6 mg/kg), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA, 0.32-5.6 mg/kg), methylphenidate (1-10 mg/kg), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV, 0.56-5.6 mg/kg). The discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone were also assessed after administration of the sigma receptor antagonist rimcazole (0.32-10 mg/kg), the relatively selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor desipramine (1.8-18 mg/kg), and the selective serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor fluoxetine (1-18 mg/kg). Initially, rats were trained to discriminate an intraperitoneal injection of mephedrone (3.2 mg/kg) from saline under a fixed-ratio 20 schedule of food presentation. Following training, cumulative doses of mephedrone and the other drugs were administered to test for substitution (80% drug-lever responding). Of the drugs tested, including those that were tested in combination with mephedrone (i.e., rimcazole, desipramine, and fluoxetine), only cocaine fully substituted for mephedrone without substantially decreasing response rate. In addition, the three drugs administered in combination with mephedrone shifted the cumulative dose-effect curves leftward (percent drug-lever responding) and down (response rate), although fluoxetine did so in a dose-dependent manner ranging from antagonism to potentiation. In summary, the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone were most similar to those for the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, cocaine, and SERT and DAT activity were necessary for these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa F DeLarge
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
| | - Laura L Erwin
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Peter J Winsauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Botanas CJ, Yoon SS, de la Peña JB, Dela Peña IJ, Kim M, Woo T, Seo JW, Jang CG, Park KT, Lee YH, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. The Abuse Potential of α-Piperidinopropiophenone (PIPP) and α-Piperidinopentiothiophenone (PIVT), Two New Synthetic Cathinones with Piperidine Ring Substituent. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2017; 25:122-129. [PMID: 28173643 PMCID: PMC5340536 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A diversity of synthetic cathinones has flooded the recreational drug marketplace worldwide. This variety is often a response to legal control actions for one specific compound (e.g. methcathinone) which has resulted in the emergence of closely related replacement. Based on recent trends, the nitrogen atom is one of the sites in the cathinone molecule being explored by designer type modifications. In this study, we designed and synthesized two new synthetic cathinones, (1) α-piperidinopropiophenone (PIPP) and (2) α-piperidinopentiothiophenone (PIVT), which have piperidine ring substituent on their nitrogen atom. Thereafter, we evaluated whether these two compounds have an abuse potential through the conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice and self-administration (SA) in rats. We also investigated whether the substances can induce locomotor sensitization in mice following 7 days daily injection and challenge. qRT-PCR analyses were conducted to determine their effects on dopamine-related genes in the striatum. PIPP (10 and 30 mg/kg) induced CPP in mice, but not PIVT. However, both synthetic cathinones were not self-administered by the rats and did not induce locomotor sensitization in mice. qRT-PCR analyses showed that PIPP, but not PIVT, reduced dopamine transporter gene expression in the striatum. These data indicate that PIPP, but not PIVT, has rewarding effects, which may be attributed to its ability to affect dopamine transporter gene expression. Altogether, this study suggests that PIPP may have abuse potential. Careful monitoring of this type of cathinone and related drugs are advocated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Irene Joy Dela Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeseon Woo
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hun Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shekar A, Aguilar JI, Galli G, Cozzi NV, Brandt SD, Ruoho AE, Baumann MH, Matthies HJG, Galli A. Atypical dopamine efflux caused by 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) via the human dopamine transporter. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:69-74. [PMID: 28163218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are similar in chemical structure to amphetamines, and their behavioral effects are associated with enhanced dopaminergic signaling. The past ten years of research on the common constituent of bath salts, MDPV (the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), has aided the understanding of how synthetic cathinones act at the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT). Several groups have described the ability of MDPV to block the DAT with high-affinity. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a new mode of action of MDPV, namely its ability to promote DAT-mediated DA efflux. Using single cell amperometric assays, we determined that low concentrations of MDPV (1nM) can cause reverse transport of DA via DAT. Notably, administration of MDPV leads to hyperlocomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. These data describe further how MDPV acts at the DAT, possibly paving the way for novel treatment strategies for individuals who abuse bath salts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Shekar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Jenny I Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Greta Galli
- University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Nicholas V Cozzi
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Arnold E Ruoho
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Heinrich J G Matthies
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Aurelio Galli
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Botanas CJ, Yoon SS, de la Peña JB, Dela Peña IJ, Kim M, Woo T, Seo JW, Jang CG, Park KT, Lee YH, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. The abuse potential of two novel synthetic cathinones with modification on the alpha-carbon position, 2-cyclohexyl-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethanone (MACHP) and 2-(methylamino)-1-phenyloctan-1-one (MAOP), and their effects on dopaminergic activity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 153:160-167. [PMID: 28063946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The recreational use of synthetic cathinones has dramatically increased in recent years, which is partly due to easy accessibility and ability of synthetic cathinones to exert rewarding effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. Many synthetic cathinones have already been scheduled in several countries; however, novel and diverse synthetic cathinones are emerging at an unprecedented rate, often outpacing regulatory processes. Recently, designer modifications of the basic cathinone molecule are usually performed on the alpha-carbon position. In this study, we designed and synthesized two novel synthetic cathinones with substituents on alpha-carbon position, [1] 2-cyclohexyl-2-(methylamino)-1-phenylethanone (MACHP), and [2] 2-(methylamino)-1-phenyloctan-1-one (MAOP). Then, we evaluated their rewarding and reinforcing effects through the conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice and self-administration (SA) test in rats. Locomotor activity was also assessed in mice during daily MACHP or MAOP treatment for 7days and drug challenge. qRT-PCR analyses were conducted to determine their effects on dopamine-related genes in the striatum. MACHP and MAOP produced CPP at 10 and 30mg/kg. In the SA test, MACHP (1mg/kg/infusion), but not MAOP, was self-administered. Both MACHP and MAOP induced locomotor sensitization in mice. qRT-PCR analyses showed that MACHP and MAOP reduced dopamine transporter gene expression in the striatum. These data indicate that MACHP and MAOP may have rewarding properties, which might be attributed to their ability to affect the dopaminergic activity. These findings may be useful in predicting the abuse potential and hasten the regulation of future cathinone entities with similar modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Irene Joy Dela Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeseon Woo
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Wook Seo
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Tae Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hun Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarangro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hwang JY, Kim JS, Oh JH, Hong SI, Ma SX, Jung YH, Ko YH, Lee SY, Kim HC, Jang CG. The new stimulant designer compound pentedrone exhibits rewarding properties and affects dopaminergic activity. Addict Biol 2017; 22:117-128. [PMID: 26290055 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone derivatives are new recreational drugs known to produce psychostimulant effects. However, unlike other psychostimulants, the addictive potential of cathinone derivatives has not been widely studied. Here, we investigated the effects of pentedrone, a type of cathinone derivative, on the dopaminergic system using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. We also evaluated the addictive potential of pentedrone using conditioned place preference and self-administration. We found that pentedrone increased the mRNA expression of dopamine 1 receptor, dopamine 2 receptor and dopamine transporter, as well as induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein in PC-12 cells. Additionally, pentedrone at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly increased conditioned place preference in mice, while pentedrone at 0.3 mg/kg/infusion significantly increased self-administration in rats. Finally, we found that acute administration of pentedrone enhanced locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these data suggest that the addictive properties of pentedrone may be due to its effects on the dopaminergic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Ji-Hwan Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Sa-Ik Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Shi-Xun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Yang-Hee Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Ko
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neurotoxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Korea Institute of Drug Abuse; Kangwon National University; Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Sungkyunkwan University; Korea
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
King HE, Riley AL. The Affective Properties of Synthetic Cathinones: Role of Reward and Aversion in Their Abuse. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:165-181. [PMID: 27431397 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The drug class known as synthetic cathinones has gained significant attention in the last few years as a result of increased use and abuse. These compounds have been shown to possess reinforcing efficacy in that they are abused in human populations and are self-administered in animal models. The present chapter outlines the affective properties of synthetic cathinones that are thought to impact drug self-administration in general and presents research confirming that these drugs have both rewarding and aversive effects in standalone and concurrent assessments. The implications of these affective properties for the overall abuse potential of these compounds are discussed along with directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E King
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Botanas CJ, Yoon SS, de la Peña JB, dela Peña IJ, Kim M, Woo T, Seo JW, Jang CG, Park KT, Lee YH, Lee YS, Kim HJ, Cheong JH. A novel synthetic cathinone, 2-(methylamino)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl) propan-1-one (BMAPN), produced rewarding effects and altered striatal dopamine-related gene expression in mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 317:494-501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
48
|
Papaseit E, Moltó J, Muga R, Torrens M, de la Torre R, Farré M. Clinical Pharmacology of the Synthetic Cathinone Mephedrone. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:313-331. [PMID: 28012094 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone (mephedrone) is a popular new psychoactive substance (NPS) that is structurally related to the parent compound cathinone, the β-keto analogue of amphetamine. Mephedrone appeared on the street drug market as a substitute for 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and was subsequently banned due to the potential health risks associated with its use. Nevertheless, mephedrone continues to be widely consumed among specific populations, with unique patterns of misuse. To date, most information about the biological effects of mephedrone comes from user experiences, epidemiological data, clinical cases, toxicological findings, and animal studies, whilst there are very few data regarding its human pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This chapter reviews the available published data on patterns of mephedrone use, its acute and chronic effects, and its pharmacokinetic properties. More human research is needed to elucidate the safety, toxicity, and addiction potential of mephedrone and related NPS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - José Moltó
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra la Sida, Badalona, Spain
| | - Robert Muga
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Anneken JH, Angoa-Pérez M, Sati GC, Crich D, Kuhn DM. Dissecting the Influence of Two Structural Substituents on the Differential Neurotoxic Effects of Acute Methamphetamine and Mephedrone Treatment on Dopamine Nerve Endings with the Use of 4-Methylmethamphetamine and Methcathinone. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 360:417-423. [PMID: 28039330 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (MEPH) is a β-ketoamphetamine stimulant drug of abuse that is often a constituent of illicit bath salts formulations. Although MEPH bears remarkable similarities to methamphetamine (METH) in terms of chemical structure, as well as its neurochemical and behavioral effects, it has been shown to have a reduced neurotoxic profile compared with METH. The addition of a β-keto moiety and a 4-methyl ring substituent to METH yields MEPH, and a loss of direct neurotoxic potential. In the present study, two analogs of METH, methcathinone (MeCa) and 4-methylmethamphetamine (4MM), were assessed for their effects on mouse dopamine (DA) nerve endings to determine the relative contribution of each individual moiety to the loss of direct neurotoxicity in MEPH. Both MeCa and 4MM caused significant alterations in core body temperature as well as locomotor activity and stereotypy, but 4MM was found to elicit minimal dopaminergic toxicity only at the highest dose. By contrast, MeCa caused significant reductions in all markers of DA nerve-ending damage over a range of doses. These results lead to the conclusion that ring substitution at the 4-position profoundly reduces the neurotoxicity of METH, whereas the β-keto group has much less influence on this property. Although the mechanism(s) by which the 4-methyl substituent reduces METH-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear, it is speculated that this effect is mediated by a loss of DA-releasing action in MEPH and 4MM at the synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter, an effect that is thought to be critical for METH-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Girish C Sati
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - David Crich
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tyrkkö E, Andersson M, Kronstrand R. The Toxicology of New Psychoactive Substances: Synthetic Cathinones and Phenylethylamines. Ther Drug Monit 2016; 38:190-216. [PMID: 26587869 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are substitutes for classical drugs of abuse and there are now compounds available from all groups of classical drugs of abuse. During 2014, the number of synthetic cathinones increased dramatically and, together with phenylethylamines, they dominate the NPS markets in the European Union. In total, 31 cathinones and 9 phenylethylamines were encountered in 2014. The aim of this article was to summarize the existing knowledge about the basic pharmacology, metabolism, and human toxicology of relevant synthetic cathinones and phenylethylamines. Compared with existing reviews, we have also compiled the existing case reports from both fatal and nonfatal intoxications. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search using bibliographic databases PubMed and Web of Science, complemented with Google Scholar. The focus of the literature search was on original articles, case reports, and previously published review articles published in 2014 or earlier. RESULTS The rapid increase of NPSs is a growing concern and sets new challenges not only for societies in drug prevention and legislation but also in clinical and forensic toxicology. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the pharmacodynamic profile of cathinones is similar to that of other psychomotor stimulants. Metabolism studies show that cathinones and phenylethylamines are extensively metabolized; however, the parent compound is usually detectable in human urine. In vitro studies have shown that many cathinones and phenylethylamines are metabolized by CYP2D6 enzymes. This indicates that these drugs may have many possible drug-drug interactions and that genetic polymorphism may influence their toxicity. However, the clinical and toxicological relevance of CYP2D6 in adverse effects of cathinones and phenylethylamines is questionable, because these compounds are metabolized by other enzymes as well. The toxidromes commonly encountered after ingestion of cathinones and phenylethylamines are mainly of sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic character with a risk of excited delirium and life-threatening cardiovascular effects. CONCLUSIONS The acute and chronic toxicity of many NPSs is unknown or very sparsely investigated. There is a need for evidence-based-treatment recommendations for acute intoxications and a demand for new strategies to analyze these compounds in clinical and forensic cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elli Tyrkkö
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | |
Collapse
|